There’s a profound distinction between being simply aware and being self-aware.
Self-awareness is the ability to look inward, recognize our own strengths and weaknesses, and understand how we affect others around us.
Psychology tells us that extremely self-aware individuals possess a unique set of standards for themselves and for those they choose to interact with.
They don’t tolerate certain behaviors or attitudes, not out of arrogance, but from a place of understanding their own value and the value of others.
In this article, we’re going to delve into the 7 things that extremely self-aware people never tolerate in themselves or others.
So, if you’re looking to boost your own self-awareness, stay tuned. You might just find the guide you need right here.
1) Not taking accountability
Self-awareness and accountability are two peas in a pod. Extremely self-aware people understand their role in every situation they find themselves in and never shy away from accepting responsibility for their actions.
It’s not uncommon to come across individuals who never admit to their mistakes, always finding someone or something else to blame. But this is a habit that self-aware people never tolerate in themselves or others.
They understand the value of learning from one’s mistakes and growing from them. Instead of trying to shift blame, they focus on figuring out what they could have done differently and how they can avoid repeating the same mistakes.
This aligns with the words of Carl Jung, a renowned psychologist, who once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
Self-aware individuals realize that acceptance of one’s faults is not a display of weakness but a sign of strength and maturity. By doing so, they promote a culture of accountability around them as well.
2) Neglecting self-care
Let me share a personal example. A while back, I found myself working long hours, skipping meals, and barely getting enough sleep. I was trying to juggle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines – all at the expense of my health.
It took a serious toll on my physical and mental wellbeing, and it wasn’t until I started practicing self-awareness that I realized the depth of the problem. It’s something that extremely self-aware people would never tolerate.
I learned the hard way that neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long run.
Today, I make it a point to prioritize my health and wellbeing, ensuring I eat at regular intervals, get enough sleep, and take breaks when necessary.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
Understanding this concept has allowed me to take better care of myself and has improved my overall performance at work.
Extremely self-aware individuals understand the importance of self-care and incorporate it into their daily routine. They know that their ability to care for others and fulfill responsibilities hinges on how well they take care of themselves first.
3) Being judgmental
Have you ever caught yourself making snap judgments about people based on their behavior, appearance, or choices? It’s an easy trap to fall into.
Here’s the raw and honest truth: we all judge.
But extremely self-aware individuals strive to keep this instinct in check. They realize that rushing to conclusions without understanding the full context is not only unjust but also closes off opportunities for learning and growth.
Being judgmental can isolate us from others and create a toxic environment around us. It’s a habit that self-aware people are keenly aware of and make conscious efforts to avoid.
This echoes the words of psychologist Carl Rogers who once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Similarly, accepting others as they are without judgment can pave the way for better understanding and personal growth.
So the next time you find yourself passing judgment on someone else (or even on yourself), take a moment to step back, reassess, and strive for understanding instead.
4) Ignoring feedback
Extremely self-aware individuals understand the value of feedback. They know that honest feedback, whether positive or negative, can provide insightful perspectives on their behaviors and actions.
Ignoring feedback is a practice self-aware people never entertain. They understand that it’s an opportunity for growth and improvement.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found a significant relationship between receiving feedback and performance improvement.
The study showed that individuals who received regular feedback, regardless of its nature, performed better over time compared to those who didn’t.
This underlines the importance of not just receiving, but acting on feedback – a practice self-aware individuals never overlook.
They view every piece of feedback as an opportunity to reflect on their behaviors and make necessary adjustments for personal growth.
So the next time you receive feedback, instead of dismissing it, take it constructively and use it as a stepping stone towards becoming a better version of yourself.
5) Staying in the comfort zone
I’ve come to understand that growth often happens outside our comfort zones.
This is a principle that extremely self-aware individuals live by. They understand that real personal development involves pushing boundaries and stepping into unfamiliar territories.
Staying cozy within the comfort zone, while it may feel safe, can actually hinder personal growth. It’s a behavior that self-aware people consciously avoid.
As psychologist Abraham Maslow wisely said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”
Self-aware individuals are not afraid to take risks and embrace challenges. They know that these experiences, no matter how uncomfortable they may be, are invaluable for personal growth and self-improvement.
So, whether it’s taking on a new project, learning a new skill, or just trying something different, remember to step out of your comfort zone. You never know what you might discover about yourself.
6) Constantly seeking happiness
This one might sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t the pursuit of happiness a universal goal?
Yes, but extremely self-aware individuals understand that the constant chase for happiness can actually lead to dissatisfaction.
Here’s the twist: while everyone wants to be happy, focusing solely on achieving happiness might make us lose sight of other important aspects of life, like personal growth, relationships, or self-improvement.
Famed psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.” In other words, happiness is often a by-product of a meaningful life, not the goal itself.
Self-aware individuals understand this. They focus on leading a fulfilling life – cultivating relationships, pursuing passions and making meaningful contributions.
They realize that happiness comes naturally when they focus on these aspects rather than chasing it as an end goal.
So, instead of constantly seeking happiness, focus on living a meaningful life. You might find that happiness naturally follows.
7) Comparing themselves to others
Self-aware individuals know that the only person they should compare themselves to is the person they were yesterday.
They understand that everyone’s journey is unique and that comparing oneself to others can lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt.
Psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
So remember, your journey is about you and your growth, not about how you measure up to others. Make it a point to focus on your own progress and celebrate your accomplishments.
Final thoughts
The journey towards self-awareness is deeply personal and transformative. It’s about acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, understanding our impact on others, and constantly striving for improvement.
The seven principles we’ve discussed are not rules etched in stone, but gentle reminders of the attitudes and behaviors that self-aware individuals consciously cultivate.
They serve as a guide to help us navigate our own journey.
Remember, self-awareness is not a destination but an ongoing process of introspection, learning, and growth.
It’s about striving to become the best version of ourselves, not just for our own benefit but for the benefit of those around us as well.
So as you move forward, take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: What do I choose not to tolerate in myself and others today? How does this choice contribute to my journey towards greater self-awareness?
In the end, it’s these small steps of introspection that lead to big strides in personal growth. So let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time.
